Search This Blog

#LightTheWorld

Friday Family History: Moulton Barns on Mormon Row

As we left Yellowstone last week, we decided to drive through Grand Teton National Park. Both my sister and my parents had arrived at Yellowstone via Grand Teton, and they both had ideas of what we might want to see. My sister suggested we stop at Jenny Lake; my dad suggested we go by Mormon Row and see the barns. We picked up a brochure as we entered the national park. As we read it, our route became obvious: the barns at Mormon Row had the Moulton name, a name of John's ancestors!

We stopped at the Moulton Ranch Cabins and spoke with the owner. He told us that T.A. (Thomas Alma) Moulton, was the grandson of the Thomas Moulton who came over the plains in the Willie Handcart Company. T.A.'s father, Charles Alma, was actually born on the ship that brought the Moulton family from England to the United States. Thomas Moulton of the Willie Handcart Company was John's g-g-g-grandpa. The story of the Mormon handcart pioneers was one of faith and determination, and the Moultons were no exception. Thomas and his wife, Sarah Denton, learned about the church in England, and were baptized. When church members in England (and other parts of Europe) started immigrating to the United States, Thomas was not sure if his large family would be able to afford the trip. Sarah informed him that she had been secretly saving money for quite some time. She had faith in a blessing that if they made the journey, all of their family members would survive the trip. Though more than 10% of the members of the Willie Handcart Company died, not one of the 10 Moultons perished.

I love how the top of the barn mirrors the top of the peak of the mountain. Lovely picture! Have you checked out the Mormon Migration website? Here's the link to Thomas' voyage notes, passenger lists, etc.

1. I'm thankful for cooperative return policies. Several weeks ago, I mentioned that I had to return a range that I had purchased, and I hoped that the particular range was just a lemon and that the replacement wouldn't have the same problem. Well, unfortunately, it did. On the bright side, the store quickly picked up the second range and refunded my money. I'm putting appliance purchases on the back burner (!) for the moment.

2. I'm thankful for temples. I went one morning this week to the temple. I'm always amazed at how much insight comes in just an hour or two of reflection.

3. I'm thankful for my sister. She and her family came to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with her in-laws, and I got a chance to see her and her family on Wednesday. The last time I saw her was in January at our grandma's 100th birthday celebration. We feel lucky to have two visits in one year!

Me in a Nutshell

In the summer of 2018, after 29 years of raising children, my husband and I (as he puts it) "finally grew up and moved out on our own." I loved those years, but I also love the empty-nest adventure. No matter what your stage of life, I invite you to join me in living life with a thankful heart.